An investigation has been launched after a patient killed themselves on a hospital ward.

Documents have revealed a full investigation has been launched at Springfield Hospital, in Tooting, following an ‘inpatient suicide’ on Ward 3.

The South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust said they provided immediate support to the person’s family, patients on the ward and staff.

But the trust was unable to provide us with a date of the incident.

The document referred to the death as a ‘suicide’ however the case has not yet been referred to a coroner’s court and a hospital spokesman confirmed the word should not have been used.

Ward 3 is an in-patient ward with 20 beds and treats people with everything from schizophrenia, to self-harm and eating disorders.

All in-patients have their own single bedrooms with ensuite facilities with furniture, fixtures and fittings.

Director of nursing and quality standards for the trust, Andrew Dean, said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic death and have extended our support to the deceased’s family as well as patients and staff on the ward.

"The safety of service users is our trust’s top priority and we have initiated a root cause analysis investigation, led by an independent chair, which is conducting a thorough examination.

"It would be inappropriate to say anything further until that investigation is complete."

The trust provides community and hospital psychiatric services for Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Merton.

Comments

Niki R
3:55pm Thu 29 May 14

Horribly sad. This does highlight the need for strong mental health care services and the task that faces staff who are often overwhelmed. Thoughts are with all affected; suicide leaves so many unanswered questions and so much pain.

Horribly sad. This does highlight the need for strong mental health care services and the task that faces staff who are often overwhelmed. Thoughts are with all affected; suicide leaves so many unanswered questions and so much pain.Niki R

Horribly sad. This does highlight the need for strong mental health care services and the task that faces staff who are often overwhelmed. Thoughts are with all affected; suicide leaves so many unanswered questions and so much pain.

Score: 33

alroutemaster
2:11pm Fri 30 May 14

Makes a change for Springfield, usually their patients go walkabout and kill somebody else......

Makes a change for Springfield, usually their patients go walkabout and kill somebody else......alroutemaster

Makes a change for Springfield, usually their patients go walkabout and kill somebody else......

Score: -13

DaftAida
5:43pm Sat 31 May 14

Every one has the right to do with their body and life what they want to provided they harm no others. Sure, if the 'medicated-to-distra
ction' individuals leave family and friends behind, that does not constitute 'harm' as such for what quality of family or friends are they to see their 'loved one' drugged to the gills by la 'authorities' who are hell-bent on murder provided it is slow and they can't be sued. Ludicrous that ending one's own life is still regarded as 'suicide' as if a crime has been committed. Until fairly recent times, it was a criminal offense to kill yourself and those caught in the act would be revived, sentenced and HANGED! Those behind the criminal 'laws' haven't changed, their methods have.

Every one has the right to do with their body and life what they want to provided they harm no others. Sure, if the 'medicated-to-distra
ction' individuals leave family and friends behind, that does not constitute 'harm' as such for what quality of family or friends are they to see their 'loved one' drugged to the gills by la 'authorities' who are hell-bent on murder provided it is slow and they can't be sued. Ludicrous that ending one's own life is still regarded as 'suicide' as if a crime has been committed. Until fairly recent times, it was a criminal offense to kill yourself and those caught in the act would be revived, sentenced and HANGED! Those behind the criminal 'laws' haven't changed, their methods have.DaftAida

Every one has the right to do with their body and life what they want to provided they harm no others. Sure, if the 'medicated-to-distra
ction' individuals leave family and friends behind, that does not constitute 'harm' as such for what quality of family or friends are they to see their 'loved one' drugged to the gills by la 'authorities' who are hell-bent on murder provided it is slow and they can't be sued. Ludicrous that ending one's own life is still regarded as 'suicide' as if a crime has been committed. Until fairly recent times, it was a criminal offense to kill yourself and those caught in the act would be revived, sentenced and HANGED! Those behind the criminal 'laws' haven't changed, their methods have.

Score: -8

Expatasb
3:43pm Sun 1 Jun 14

They are being extremely 'cagey' about this tragic incident and probably will only publish a 'selective' version of events..
It's a sad reflection on the mental health services that this was allowed to happen on their watch. What is needed is nothing less than a revolution in higher conciousness both in the medical profession , the public at large and in those they elect to represent them.

They are being extremely 'cagey' about this tragic incident and probably will only publish a 'selective' version of events..
It's a sad reflection on the mental health services that this was allowed to happen on their watch. What is needed is nothing less than a revolution in higher conciousness both in the medical profession , the public at large and in those they elect to represent them.Expatasb

They are being extremely 'cagey' about this tragic incident and probably will only publish a 'selective' version of events..
It's a sad reflection on the mental health services that this was allowed to happen on their watch. What is needed is nothing less than a revolution in higher conciousness both in the medical profession , the public at large and in those they elect to represent them.

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here